Silex eluvium is formed when the chalk of a silex-containing chalklayer, dissolves. This usually occurs when acids in ground water and rain affect chalkdeposits. Silex eluvium is for example found in the south of The Netherlands and in northeastern Belgium. In the regions of Epen and Vaals, and in the Belgian chalk quarries south of Maastricht.

The silex sporadically contains perfect sea urchin imprints. The fossil itself is dissolved, but a well-made silicone cast can reveal the original shape in great detail, allowing for examination of the specimens for study.

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